This is the aftermath of a grouchy cockatoo’s attack on a 13-year-old girl during a visit to a wildlife zoo.

The girl had been standing with her family taking pictures of other birds at the park on Friday, 9th June.

But without warning, the grumpy cockatoo swooped down and punctured the girl’s ear with its powerful beak, according to local media.

Their beaks are so tough that in the wild the cockatoo uses them to crush nut shells.

Pictures taken at the Mandai Bird Paradise Park in Singapore show the girl’s blooded left ear with two large ragged holes in it.

And when the girl’s mother Serene Chen tried to shield her from the bird, it bit her finger as well.

Serene took to Facebook to share her daughter’s ordeal, saying (in English): “On 9 June at Mandai Bird Paradise, White cockatoo attacked my gal suddenly. She was taking photo of something else when that bird flew on her shoulder and attacked her ear suddenly.

“I told her not to move as we won’t know what will happen. I was quick enough to snap a photo as evidence at same time and quickly saved her by using my finger from further biting.” (sic)

The distraught mother continued: “Her ear was bleeding non stop. The flesh spilt opened. I was very traumatized while she was calm. She could not feel anything especially that ear helix. The biting on my finger was pain as the beak was very strong. Husband said he pushed away the bird as I was in shock saving her ear.

“We had bad experience waiting for help as we cant say we are near or far from entrance. No rangers around. End up we got cleaner to help us call for help. Ranger took 15mins to respond our medical emergency. We ended up to KTPH for further treatment. I myself had to take jab to prevent further infection especially wildlife biting.” (sic)

Serene added: “The ranger mentioned that its not the 1st time that white cockatoo attacked people. Omg, its too dangerous as bird can attack anybody. Biting on ear and cause bleeding is serious matter. I even asked why never capture that bird since it can attack anybody.

“I even private message Mandai Wildlife Reserve to give suggestion on emergency needs because there was no rangers nearby, they dont seem to be interested on my suggestion and said someone will follow up. Hope this picture will show awareness if you are at Bird Paradise. Its not funny if bird fly on you. They can attack suddenly.” (sic)

Staff at the park reportedly provided first aid before the girl went to the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for further treatment.

Serene, 42, said in an update that her daughter was “recovering well”. She said that she decided to speak to the media to raise awareness so that other parents can ensure that their children remain safe while visiting the park.

The Mandai Wildlife Group told local media that the sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) has since been moved to a back-of-house aviary.

They added that they were also teaching the birds not to perch on visitors’ shoulders, according to local media.